Monks and Magic: Revisiting a Classic Study of Religious Ceremonies in Thailand (Nias-nordic Institute of Asian Studies, 2)

First published in 1975, B.J. Terwiel's "Monks and Magic" remains a widely cited text. This is an absorbing study of Buddhism as practised at that time in a community in rural Central Thailand. It describes how esoteric spells and magical diagrams were the main interest of children and adolescents but full ritual knowledge was obtained in adulthood and tempered by life experiences. As death approaches, the Buddhist world-view stimulates merit-making. This fourth edition of the work is a major revision that updates the original text, adds new material and offers a contemporary perspective on the original study.

Barend Jan (Baas) Terwiel is a renowned specialist in the social and cultural history of Thailand. During his academic career he taught in Canberra, Munich, Leiden and Hamburg. His final appointment was as Professor of Thai and Lao Languages and Literatures in Hamburg. Professor Terwiel retired in 2006 but still writes extensively on Thailand.